Chinese antique Carved Nephrite Jade Goat (Sheep) in Recumbent Position

Dimensions: 1-3/8”h x 2-1/4”l x1-0”w 

This is a splendid Chinese nephrite jade carving of a longhorn goat in a recumbent position with legs tucked under, its horned head turned back. It is on a beautifully carved old rosewood stand stamped CHINA (1891), but is not customized for the carving, but is well-scaled and works in giving honor to the piece and creating a nice display. There is no signature associated with this carving. Note: see our book section that has listed a book related to the Year of the Goat.

Antique Condition: Excellent overall condition, no issues.

NOTE: Jade, (Yu) has always been a favored gemstone in China, and cultures around the world have considered jade to have special virtues or powers, a lucky charm, and full of virtue. It is still the most popular common gemstone and can be bought all over the World. The Chinese thought so too, and for thousands of years, jade articles had a special value and significance, and skilled artisans carved increasingly intricate designs. During the Chinese Bronze Age and before, jade was valuable as a material for making weapons and axes. At the time, durable luxury objects, such as small auspicious carvings, ceremonial cups, and buttons were also made from jade.

Two types of minerals are called jade. The kind that was known in ancient China is called nephrite, (ruan yu) is hard, but not as hard as quartz. The other kind of jade mineral is called jadeite. Nephrite is a little tougher against fracture than jadeite and is a little softer. Therefore the ancient Chinese craftsmen could use quartz sand (regular sand) or pieces of quartz to carve jade. 

Chinese Zodiac-Year of the Goat: Chinese people are also not quite sure about this. In Chinese the word, (yáng) is a generic term and can refer to a sheep, goat, ram/buck, or antelope. There is a lack of clear definition of the zodiac Goat in Chinese history.

If you were born in 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, or 2015, then your Chinese zodiac sign is a Goat. People born in a year of the Goat are generally believed to be gentle, have very delicate thoughts, mild-mannered, shy, stable, sympathetic, amicable, and brimming with a strong sense of kindheartedness and justice. A goat's lucky numbers are 2 & 7, (or combinations of numbers like 27 or 72); lucky days are the 7th and 30th; lucky colors are warm brown, red, and purple; lucky flowers are carnations and primroses; and a goat's lucky direction is north. And, finally, a goat is most compatible with companions that were born under the zodiac signs of the rabbit, horse, or pig.